Yes, baptism is controversial because Christians disagree over its meaning, purpose, and mode.
According to Les Feldick, baptism becomes controversial when believers hold sharply different views about what it means and what role it has. Some view it as necessary for salvation, others as having nothing to do with it. These disagreements can lead to anger, disrupted fellowship, and even broken friendships. The Bible itself uses 'baptism' in different senses, such as water baptism and Spirit baptism, which adds to the confusion.
Matthew 3:11 — This verse contrasts John's water baptism with Jesus's Spirit and fire baptism, showing two different baptisms that can be confused.
In Matthew 3, John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes with water, declaring that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. He says, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" (Matthew 3:11). This distinguishes water baptism from the subsequent baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. Paul writes to the Corinthians, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" (1 Corinthians 1:17). In 1 Corinthians 10, he refers to Israel being "baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea" (1 Corinthians 10:2), which Paul applies to their identification with Moses, not to water baptism. Thus, Scripture uses "baptism" symbolically for identification and also distinguishes water baptism from Spirit baptism.
Les Feldick explains that baptism is controversial because it has been twisted and misunderstood. He notes that some claim baptism has a cleansing effect, but he teaches that it is the Word that cleanses us today. He emphasizes that John the Baptist's water baptism was for Israel, connected with the King and the Kingdom, and was a natural extension of Old Testament ceremonial washings. Les points out that "baptism" is used in the Bible in different ways, including Spirit baptism and even the baptism of Jesus's suffering, which adds to the confusion. He stresses that Paul was sent not to baptize but to preach the gospel, indicating that water baptism is not central to our present dispensation of grace.
Les Feldick suggests that Christians hold sharply different views about what baptism means and what role it has. Some believe it is required for salvation, while others believe it has nothing to do with salvation. There are also disagreements over the manner of baptism, such as sprinkling versus immersion. These conflicting ideas can cause anger, disrupt fellowship, and even end friendships. The controversy stems from applying verses about water baptism to all times and failing to see the distinctions in Scripture.
Les Feldick points out that the word 'baptism' is used in several ways in Scripture. First, there is John's water baptism of repentance, which was for Israel (Matthew 3:11). Second, there is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, which John also mentioned. Third, Jesus spoke of His own suffering and death as a baptism (paraphrase of Luke 12:50). Fourth, Israel's passage through the Red Sea is called a 'baptism unto Moses' in 1 Corinthians 10:2, meaning they were identified with Moses. This variety of meanings contributes to the controversy.
Les Feldick teaches that John's water baptism was a natural thing for Jews to accept because it was tied to the Old Testament ceremonial washings. It was a baptism of repentance, preparing for the coming King and His kingdom. John's message was directed to Israel in connection with the covenants already given. He baptized with water unto repentance, and he promised that the one coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Les Feldick emphatically teaches that baptism does not have any cleansing effect today because it is the Word that cleanses us. He warns that people can twist the Scriptures to make baptism appear to have such an effect, but that is not the truth. He points to Paul's statement that Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the gospel, showing that water baptism is not the focus for us.
Why Was Jesus Baptized? The Answer Most People Miss
1. And the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in, behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts." Now that's John the Baptist being promised that he would come on the scene, be the messenger to announce the King, and the King, remember, is the fulfillment of that Abrahamic covenant.
Baptism Has No Cleansing Effect
Les teaches that baptism does not cleanse today; the Word cleanses, and John's baptism was for repentance because the King was coming.
Two Baptisms: Spirit or Fire
Les clarifies that John's words point to two alternatives: baptism with the Holy Spirit or with fire, which are the only two outcomes: saved or lost.
Baptism Rooted in Old Testament Washings
Les explains that baptism was not strange to the Jews; it flowed from Old Testament ceremonial washings, making it natural for them.
Baptism as Identification
Les shows that 'baptism' can mean identification, as with Jesus's suffering and Israel's passage through the Red Sea, not always water.
John's Audience was Jewish
Les stresses that John the Baptist was addressing Jews, which is crucial for understanding the context of his baptism of repentance.
Why Jesus Came to Israel First — Luke 1 Explained
because I think this says it as plainly as Scripture can say it. Matthew 11, beginning with verse 2. Now when John, that is the Baptist, had heard, where? In prison. Now always try to project yourself into these people's shoes. Here John the Baptist announced the coming of the King, was that preacher of repentance and baptism, and saw, I think, quite a few come to his preaching.
Paul Sent to Preach, Not Baptize
Les highlights Paul's statement that Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the gospel, showing the priority of the gospel over water baptism.
Matthew 3:11: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
This verse distinguishes John's water baptism from Jesus's Spirit and fire baptism.
1 Corinthians 1:17: For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Paul emphasizes that his primary mission was preaching the gospel, not performing water baptism.
1 Corinthians 10:2: And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Paul uses baptism figuratively to describe Israel's identification with Moses, not water baptism.
Christians argue because they interpret baptism differently: some see it as essential for salvation, others as symbolic. There are also disputes over the method, such as sprinkling vs. immersion. Les Feldick teaches that confusion comes from misunderstanding what baptism meant in different biblical contexts.
According to Les Feldick, baptism does not have a cleansing effect. He teaches that the Word of God cleanses us, not water baptism. He points to 1 Corinthians 1:17 where Paul says he was sent to preach the gospel, not to baptize.
Les Feldick mentions several: John's water baptism of repentance (Matthew 3), the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11), Jesus's suffering and death as a baptism (Luke 12:50), and the baptism unto Moses (1 Corinthians 10:2). Each signifies something different.
Watch the Teaching: Why Was Jesus Baptized? The Answer Most People Miss